Saudi youngsters follow global fashion trends to look good

Young Saudi men are turning against traditional looks and following latest fashion trends in clothes, accessories and even untraditional bags. Not only in their day-to-day wear, men are being creative in their beach, and, more surprisingly, their sleeping attire.
The new drive has triggered criticism from those who say that fashion is a field for women or those who think that the new trend is a mere imitation of the Western men.
Twenty-two-year-old Abed Al-Badee Al-Sharqawi says his sense of fashion reflects a strong sense of self-confidence.
“I never hesitate to wear any new fashion. I love to mix trendy and untraditional colors and like to have new hair cuts,” he told Arab News, adding that accessories like watches, rings, bags, shoes and eyeglasses are necessary to complete the look.
Many youngsters said that studying abroad influences their style and makes them less influenced by others’ negative remarks.
Twenty-three-year-old Ahmed Kafafi studies in a European country which inspires his looks. “My look blends into the European scene, yet it is new to Arab society,” he added, stressing that price is not an issue for him as long as the clothes fit the body and make the person feel satisfied.
Salma Mohammed thinks her 18-year-old brother spends too much money on “weird” clothes to copy his friends. “He doesn’t like to repeat clothes more than once or twice,” she complained, saying that he likes to be daring but lacks self-confidence which makes him spend more money trying to impress others.
In turn, Ata Jamil doesn’t like extreme looks as he says it can negatively affect one’s professional life. “People tend to view these people as less serious,” he pointed out.
Umm Abdul Rahman is a 45-year-old mother who always criticizes her 16-year-old son’s look and weird hair cuts. “My son gets negative comments from teachers, neighbors and relatives, in addition to school punishment because he doesn’t abide by the dress code,” she added.
Some observers say that the artists and singers’ new looks have inspired men to try extraordinary outfits.
Saudi fashion designer Siraj Sanad say globalization makes everyone aware of the latest international fashion trends. He notes that teenagers between 16 and 18 are most likely to be influenced by artists as they also have the courage to try out new things. He believes that breaking from traditional looks is needed in casual wear, but he doesn’t believe any change should target traditional Saudi wear.
Ghada Al-Sairafi, another Saudi fashion designer, said that Saudi men deserted traditional standards and criteria, and many of the youngsters don’t hesitate in trying untraditional cuts and colors. “Pink used to be perceived as a feminine color but not anymore as we see young men boasting their pink cars, watches and accessories,” she pointed out.
Looks and appearance adviser Rana Al-Ahmadi, the founder of the first appearance development consulting center in the Kingdom, said that people should choose items that are in harmony with their skin color, body shape, age and personality.
Al-Ahmadi advises people to experiment with new and untraditional colors, provided they don’t clash with body shape and skin color.